"The very fact is that itâ€™s been tough all year round and that might be something to look at again. And thatâ€™s exactly what Iâ€™d like to do. I think the club is capable of sustaining that," said O'Neill.

"Everton is the case in point and there is absolutely no reason why Sunderland cannot be there. Sunderland are not a top-six team by any stretch of the imagination, but we are a top-six club, in the making. And that I genuinely believe. And Iâ€™ll believe that until I leave this earth."